Why are women allowed to attend Mass in inappropriate clothes? The woman in front of me at Mass today wore a strapless dress (no bra) that was as short as hot pants!

Answer by Catholic Answers on 8/26/2013:

Gina--

I sympathize with the problem, and I agree that a solution should be sought. It would be helpful if pastors would be more pro-active in educating congregations about church-appropriate attire. But congregants do not have the authority to police the attire of fellow congregants and should not be staring at another congregant so intently that they realize that person is not wearing a bra. Congregants have the responsibility to "keep custody of the eyes" -- meaning that they should look away (or change seats if they cannot) from anyone whose appearance is tempting them to sin (which includes judgmentalism).